MPC might be dwarfed by other providers, but its components are just as vital. So is a supply chain that can assess the reliability of suppliers.

A coordinated, well-rehearsed strategy gets P&G back on line in New Orleans in record time. And the company learns some lessons for the future.

IBM at one point had 30 supply chains, one for each of its business units, with each considered a necessary cost of doing business. Today the Integrated Supply Chain at IBM is an innovative, strategic business unit that delivers significant cost savings, competitive advantage and enterprise alignment.

The high-tech giant's buy-sell program ensures the best price and highest quality of parts, even though someone else is making the finished goods.